KING'S rugby players once again make up the core of Cheshire's youth sides wearing the famous wheatsheaf emblem with pride.

Four players have been selected for the under-16s team and another two for the under-18s team, which have already enjoyed considerable success against their larger Northern neighbours.

From the front are under-16s scrum half David Williams from Buxton, a Welsh tearaway in the mould of Rob Howley. Under-16s flanker Gary Fairbrother from Tytherington, and aggressive ball-winner who counts Neil Back as his favourite player.

Under-18s speedy winger Andre Umebuani, from Bramhall, already a Sale Sharks youth player who hopes to emulate the great Jason Robinson. Powerhouse under-18s full back Richard Chadwick from Great Watford, who most admires Johnny Wilkinson's precision play and David Jones from Kerridge, and under-16s Welsh fly half who admires Stephen Jones' flair play.

Currently injured and not available for the picture was under-16s hooker Kyle Ridgeway.

King's first team rugby coach Andy Price, the former Saracens scrum-half who now plays for Macclesfield, said: "It's a great honour to be selected for your country at any level and this year Cheshire have been showing their mettle."